Ronaldo back on track to make World Cup opener

Cristiano Ronaldo has given Portugal a boost by resuming training. There were concerns the Real Madrid player may miss their opening World Cup Group G game against Germany because of knee and thigh problems.

However, the Portuguese football association (FPF) gave an encouraging update yesterday, nine days before the opener in Salvador. The FPF statement read: “Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul Meireles integrated with the remaining group of players.”

Midfielder Meireles had been struggling with a muscular problem. However, central defender Pepe worked away from the main group of players as he continued his recovery from a leg injury. The statement added: “Pepe is carrying out his rehabilitation and sport-specific exercises in the field individually.”PA

Reus out for Germany

Germany’s World Cup hopes have suffered a severe blow with the midfielder Marco Reus ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury sustained in their final warm-up game.

Germany have called up the 22-year-old Sampdoria defender Shkodran Mustafi following Reus’s injury.

“A dream burst in just one second and now I need to look forward, be professional about my recovery because I have to keep going. I will come back stronger than before,” Reus said in a statement.

Reus, who scored 16 goals in the Bundesliga last season – the most by any midfielder, turned his ankle shortly before the break in their 6-1 victory over Armenia on Friday in Mainz, partially tearing the anterior ligament above his left ankle. PA

Costa: Scolari did not call

The Spain striker Diego Costa says Brazil coach Felipe Scolari’s indifference made it easier to decide to play for his adopted country rather than his homeland at the World Cup. Costa says he never received a phone call from Scolari about playing for Brazil, while Spain coach Vicente del Bosque “is the only coach who called me, who worried about me … I’m very happy to be here where I’ve been received like a brother.”

Costa, who scored 36 goals for Atlético Madrid last season, says while he chose Spain over Brazil: “I feel very Brazilian and that will never change.” PA

Belgium washed out

Belgium’s friendly against Tunisia was abandoned due to heavy hail, with the sides leaving the field tied at 0-0. The referee suspended the match after 22 minutes due to the weather conditions, with the game restarting after a 40-minute delay.

However, the teams did not re-emerge after half-time as the game was called off. Elsewhere, Argentina were 2-0 winners over Slovenia, with Ricardo Álvarez and Lionel Messi on the scoresheet.PA